4:15 to 4:30 PM Check-in

4:30 PM Presentation by Joe Hirvela

5:00 to 6:00 PM Tour of CPP

6:00 PM Dinner at Mandarin Kitchen (Optional)

Presentation Abstract:

Joe Hirvela will explain the processes that CPP Minneapolis Operation uses in producing its castings, while describing the company history and its technical capabilities. This company has been a supplier of high complexity aluminum and magnesium castings for over 100 years. It uses a chemically-bonded sand dry sand process and tight controls of its melt chemistry and quality to produce precision engineered components such as transmission gearbox housings, fuel system housings, and airframe structures for both military and commercial aerospace operations. CPP Minneapolis Operation offers in-house tooling and pattern construction, as well as machining, with the objective of producing castings that are ready to be assembled on the aircraft by its customers. The company is accredited to both NADCAP and ISO/AS9100, and it also serves a wide range of customer specifications as required.

Bio:

Joe Hirvela is currently the Plant Metallurgist at CPP Minneapolis Operation, a nonferrous foundry that specializes in producing complex components for the aerospace industry. During his 37 years at CPP Minneapolis Operation, he has served in a variety of roles, including product engineering, process engineering, and quality assurance. He is a member of the American Foundry Society and the American Society for Materials (ASM), and served as the Chair of the Minnesota Chapter of ASM during the 2014-15 and 2018-19 program years. Joe holds a Bachelor’s degree in Metallurgical Engineering from the University of Minnesota and an MBA from University of St. Thomas.